EGG-NEWS strongly endorses the appeal to U.S. trade officials to establish a policy to ensure regular availability of vitamins and synthetic amino acids. According to a study conducted by the Institute for Feed Education and Research of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the U.S. requires approximately 425,000 metric tons of the major essential amino acids and 50,000 metric tons of vitamin supplements to produce 250 million metric tons of feed annually.
At issue is the reliance of the U.S. on the Peoples Republic of China. Over decades, major additive manufacturers located in the U.S. and the EU established production facilities in China to synthesize vitamins and amino acids. This approach was based on minimizing cost, favorable government support and relative freedom from environmental restraints that exist in Europe and the U.S. Our reliance on China has created vulnerability paralleling the situation with pharmaceuticals and their precursor compounds.
AFIA President and CEO, Constance Cullman stated, “New data now makes it impossible for policymakers to ignore an alarm that has grown too loud and too threatening to dismiss.” Ms. Cullman added, “The animal feed industry appreciates the Trump Administration and lawmaker recent action to discuss this critical issue and is looking forward to working together with others across the food and agriculture value chain to develop risk-and science-based solutions that promote a more reliable stable future food and feed supply.”
Production efficiency, especially for monogastric species would be seriously impaired with shortages of critical ingredients including amino acids, Vitamins D and E and some B Vitamin compounds that currently are supplied almost entirely by China.
Short term solutions include negotiation and leverage using tariffs. Over the intermediate period sourcing from the E.U. or from reputable manufacturers in Asia should reduce reliance on China. Long-term the U.S. must consider onshoring to establish secure supplies of critical ingredients.